Italy Working on Online Gambling
August 12, 2009
Italy has long been against online gambling, but with the push from the European Commission and the European Union they have been changing their tune. They have seen the light and although it is in their best interest to legalize online gambling they are aware that it is what they need to do to get out of trouble as well.
The current economic condition of Italy is not good, they are going through a tough time just like the rest of the world. However, between their economic troubles and several natural disasters the last thing they can afford to do is throw away much needed money. Things are so bad that many say that online gambling could be legalized before the end of this year.
The government had already said that some “restricted” online gambling would be allowed in the country, but now it looks as though it could become much more open than it currently is. Now the AAMS, their national regulator of online gambling has not come forward yet and said that the implementation of the new online gambling laws would happen, however, many feel that it is really a matter of time.
They currently allow online gambling in the form of online poker but they may add cash games to their tournament only rules. There is also talk of adding scratch card gaming, which many Italians enjoy. Sources say that the hold up is not with the government but with the regulators; they are the only thing holding up making the rules much less restrictive at this point.
